What happened
During a takeoff attempt on a lake, a fixed-float aircraft experienced a nose-over accident. The pilot initiated the takeoff run but determined that the water conditions were too rough to continue. As the pilot reduced throttle to slow the aircraft, the left float caught a wave, causing the airplane to nose over.
The pilot noted that upon arrival at the site, the lake was already rough and the tie-downs were failing to hold the aircraft. At 13:35, the Automated Weather Observing System at Bigfork Municipal Airport (FOZ), located 18 nautical miles northeast of the accident, recorded winds from 170 degrees at 19 knots, with gusts up to 27 knots. The pilot's report of the wind conditions at the time of the accident indicated winds from 140 degrees at 18 knots, gusting to 22 knots.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the event, and there were no injuries reported.